Integrated Circuit Merging Hall Probe and Coil for Broadband Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field sensors have limitations in measuring a wide range of frequencies, with Hall probes suitable for low frequencies below 10 kHz and air coils suitable for high frequencies, but lacking in bandwidth for applications requiring measurements from DC to 100 kHz.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a low frequency magnetic field sensitive element, such as a Hall probe, combined with a coil on the same die, allowing for the measurement of magnetic fields across a broad frequency range from 0 Hz to 100 kHz by combining signals from both elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Hall probe is used for low frequency magnetic field measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but bandwidth is limited to approximately 10 kHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a Hall probe (for low frequency measurement) and a coil (for high frequency measurement) into a single integrated circuit device. The Hall probe provides accurate low frequency magnetic field measurement while the coil extends the bandwidth to high frequencies, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and bandwidth by merging two complementary sensing mechanisms.
2Speed
If air coils are used for high frequency magnetic field measurement, then bandwidth is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a coil (providing high bandwidth) with a Hall probe (providing high measurement precision) in an integrated circuit. The coil handles high frequency signals with wide bandwidth while the Hall probe ensures accurate measurement, thus resolving the contradiction between bandwidth and measurement precision by combining the strengths of both sensing elements.
3Measurement precision
If Hall probes with spinning current technique are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a Hall probe with spinning current technique (for high precision) and a coil into a single device. The spinning current technique provides flicker noise reduction and high linearity, while the integrated coil structure and shared signal processing circuitry minimize the increase in overall device complexity, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a broadband magnetic field sensor with increased sensitivity and reliability, eliminating the need for mechanical parts and ensuring accurate temperature compensation, while being cost-effective and compatible with integrated circuit fabrication.
Implementation Method 1
Low frequency magnetic fields less than approximately 10 kHz may be measured with small offset errors by integrated Hall probes
Implementation Method 2
High frequency magnetic fields may be measured by air coils
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a die and a first magnetic field sensitive element formed on the die. The integrated circuit includes a first coil formed on the die and around the first magnetic field sensitive element.